The brand new Audient Studio has been unveiled to coincide with the start of the new term at the SSR headquarters in Manchester, where a 36 channel ASP8024 console with integrated patchbay and producer’s desk now stands proudly at its heart.
SSR’s technical director, Tom Aston tells us: “Students have been overwhelmingly positive about the Audient ASP8024. They find it well laid out, spacious and logical.”
This year alone, some 120 students – including those studying for Music Production and Sound Engineering degrees – will get their hands on the console, giving it ample opportunity to prove its reputation for reliability and longevity.
“Having a producer’s desk to the left of the master section has allowed us to locate the computer keyboard, mouse and DAW control surface in the center of the stereo image, producing a much more ergonomic environment than before,” continues Aston.
“The ability for us to configure the layout and being able to install a producer’s desk next to the master section was important to us.”
The SSR teaching staff all appreciate different things about the desk. Audio Engineering tutor, Alan Wrench uses the console on a daily basis. “I personally like the insert bypass and the clear indication of the channel signal present.”
Replacing a 20 year-old Amek Einstein Super-E, Aston acknowledges it was time for something “more modern and reliable.” The decision to go for the British desk was pretty straight forward, it turns out. “There really aren’t any other new consoles that provide these features and options at this price point.”
So how does the ASP8024 fit in at SSR? “The Audient Studio is one of three of our intermediate level studios. The other studios comprise of a digital console and a control surface, so the Audient helps us to provide a great balance of console formats to students at this level.”
Wrench adds, “Teaching the analog signal path is very important and helps students understand other formats, such as digital. We use the desk to demonstrate all aspects of a typical recording project.” It’s not just about the formal lectures though, as Wrench explains: “Not only is it used in lessons but it is available for students to use in their own sessions and projects, where they put their knowledge into practice.”
SSR started life in Manchester some 31 years ago as the School of Sound Recording and has since expanded its offering to provide all manner of courses in creative exploits, and according to its website is “creating music, film & games professionals all over the world.”
Events and marketing manager, Matt Talbot says. “SSR never stands still, and that is one of the great strengths of our institution. We are constantly evolving in many different ways; updating our facilities and software, forging new partnerships and links within the creative industries, organising student and public events and exploring new course areas.
“Everything we do is centered around our philosophy of providing the very best learning opportunities for our students and our proudest moments are when we see SSR graduates entering the workplace and securing jobs they are not only very capable of doing, but jobs they love waking up for every morning. The future of SSR will reflect the needs of the creative industries and be driven by advances in technology, so who knows what direction that will take.”
With three further campuses in London, Jakarta, and Singapore, the future of SSR is exactly as Talbot describes it: “In one word – exciting.” Audient is pleased to be a part of that.
